Guwahati

Guwahati, Assam

The biggest city in the state of Assam, Guwahati is popularly known as gateway to the Northeast India. It is situated between the southern bank of Brahmaputra River and the foothills of the Shillong plateau. As the second largest commercial tea production region in the world after China, Guwahati is an important tea trading centre. The city of Guwahati offers numerous tourist sites, some religious and some natural, for the travellers. The city and its surrounding areas are also rich in wildlife. The majestic Himalayan ranges and the famous Brahmaputra River provide a stunning landscape. The rich cultural background of the place provides a unique experience to the travellers. There are various interesting temples to explore too.

KEY ATTRACTION AT Guwahati

Kaziranga National Park - Declared as National Park in 1974, the 430 sq. km Kaziranga National Park houses various wild species including tigers, elephants, leopards and panthers. It is home to one horned rhinoceros. The park could be called as haven for bird watchers, as birds in thousands are seen here. It is also declared as world heritage site. Kaziranga National Park is the place that features everything from wetlands, grasslands, dense forests and riverine habitats. It is considered one of the most picturesque wildlife habitats in the entire southern Asia. As elephant safaris are available, it is a great experience to tour the park on elephant’s back. Kaziranga National Park remains open for tourists between November and April.

Manas National Park - The Park spreads across 391 sq. km area on Himalayan foothills. This park too has the honour of being declared a World Heritage Site in the year 1985. Famously referred to as the only Tiger Reserve in Assam, the park is home to various species including elephants, bison, langur, sambar, chital, rhinos and buffalos. The park houses endangered species as well. Some of the birds spotted here include bulbuls, falcons, serpent eagles, hornbills and magpie robins. The right time to visit this park would be between October and April.

Kamakhya Temple - It is situated 7 km away from Guwahati on Nilachal Hills. The temple is famously known as the best among the tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in the world and was reconstructed in the year 1565 after it was destructed by Kala Pahar. Kamakhya Temple complex houses five temples inside it.

Umananda Temple - One of the most important temples of Guwahati, Umananda Temple is situated on Peacock Island in the middle of Brahmaputra River. The temple belongs to the 17th century and it was constructed by Bar Phukan Garhganya Handique. Since the temple is at the centre of River Brahmaputra, it can be accessed only on ferries or motor launches. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the sculptures and engravings depict other gods namely Surya, Ganesha and Devi. The walls of the temple are wonderfully engraved and sculpted, which stand proof of the artisanship of the people of the past.

Navagraha Temple - This 18th century temple is located in eastern part of the city of Guwahati on top of Navagraha Hill, which was initially known as Chitrasal Hill. The temple derives its name from Navagraha or the nine planets of the solar system and it is dedicated to these nine planets.

Bhubaneshwari Temple - Higher to the Kamakhya Temple is located the temple of Bhubaneshwari from where one can have a panoramic view of the town of Guwahati.

Purva Tirupati Sri Balaji Temple - Covering a huge area of two acres at Betkuchi, it is one of the famous tourist attractions in Guwahati.

Vashistha Ashram - At approximately 12 km from the railway station lays the Vashistha Ashram (the abode of sage Vashistha). It is an interesting old shrine, amid lots of greens and three lovely rivulets, Kanta, Lalita, and Sandhya.

Deepor Beel, Dighalipukhuri, Silpukhuri, Nakkatapukhuri and Jorphukhur are among the various natural and artificial lakes that are some of the finest sightseeing options.

The Guwahati planetarium - located on MG Road will also be a fascinating experience. The planetarium conducts sky watching sessions regularly. Viewers are delighted by special shows projected here.

Assam Rajyik State Museum - It offers an insight into the rich culture and heritage of the place. The museum is awe-inspiring with stunning range of collections. The massive collection in the library includes over thousands of scripts belonging to ancient period. Apart from scripts, the museum houses prehistoric sculptures and ivory paintings. Costumes belonging to ancient people are on display as well.

HOW TO REACH Guwahati

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, also known as Guwahati International Airport, is the major airport in all of North East India. The airport is well connected with all the major cities of Indian and a few select international cities like Bangkok and Paro. Guwahati is also well connected with the adjoining cities and states through bus service. Guwahati Junction is the major railway station of Guwahati. Guwahati is well connected with all the major cities of the country through rail.

WEATHER AT Guwahati

Guwahati enjoys a moderate climate during summers. The average temperature during the summer months is around 29°Celsius. Guwahati receives moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon months of June to October. During winter season, the weather is mostly pleasant with minimum temperature barely reaching 5° Celsius. This is the best time to enjoy a holiday in Assam.